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We summarise credible research and reports on sustainable finance and ESG issues. Our summaries, along with our AI ChatBot saves members time reading large reports, to focus on knowledge building and action.

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Sovereign bonds: Spotlight on ESG risks

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This report explores the use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analysis as a potential risk-reducing and return-enhancing tool for investors in developed-country sovereign bonds. The report suggests that ESG factors are material to both creditworthiness and investment performance.
Research
6 September 2013

Investor toolkit on human rights

Investor Alliance for Human Rights
This toolkit provides practical guidance for institutional investors to assess and address human rights risks within investment activities. With tools, case studies and standard-setting activities, this investor toolkit encourages proactive management of human rights risks.
Research
20 May 2020

200 and counting: Global financial institutions are exiting coal

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
Financial institutions (FI) across the world are increasingly recognising the risks and opportunities connected to coal, and many are reducing their exposure to the industry. The number of FIs withdrawing from coal is rapidly increasing, and this report catalogues the global trend towards coal withdrawal.
Research
3 May 2023

The elephant in the room: Aligning global bonds markets with climate goals

Sustainable Finance Observatory
The global bond market is crucial for the achievement of the Paris Agreement's climate goals. This report analyses the alignment of corporate bonds with these goals while identifying challenges and proposing potential solutions, including the use of asset-level data and revaluation of benchmarks.
Research
26 June 2018

Scaling impact: Exploring 'success' in relation to impact investments

University of Technology Sydney
This study aims to explore the definition of success in social impact investments and how to scale them up. Challenges such as negotiation, execution, and outcomes measurement were identified. Measures for supporting scaling include data sharing, funding, and intellectual property (IP) valuation.
Research
17 March 2020

Do high-ability managers choose ESG projects that create shareholder value? Evidence from employee opinions

Are ESG projects compatible with shareholder value? Managers face a challenge when they decide which ESG projects to select with limited clarity on allowed investments. The paper uses MSCI ESG ratings and Glassdoor employee ratings to demonstrate that high-calibre managers put their resources towards ESG projects and thereby enhance shareholder value.
Research
24 June 2020

The materiality of sustainability for investors

This report discusses five sustainability trends that could impact investment portfolios over the long-term: climate change, multi-stakeholder driven society, resource degradation, demographic challenges, and technological revolution. The paper provides thought-provoking insight on the impacts of sustainability trends have on investment performance and how they are evolving investment decision-making frameworks.
Research
19 June 2020

Transformational investment: Converting global systemic risks into sustainable returns

Mercer
This report explores transformational investment while arguing that the global economy is under threat from long-term systemic risks. Rich Nuzum, President of Investments and Retirement at Mercer, called on institutional investors to help mitigate the risks through "long-term thinking" and "constructively tackling complicated problems".
Research
15 October 2020

Inside out inclusion: How to make better decisions and create an amazing team culture by valuing and including different viewpoints, styles and people

This report presents an inside-out inclusion model for improving team culture and decision-making. It covers how to improve self-awareness, value people, work together, make decisions, and adapt and grow. The model is backed by frameworks, tools, and reflection exercises.
Research
23 January 2020

Sustainable banking in ASEAN

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This 2019 report analyses the sustainability strategies of 35 ASEAN banks based on environmental, social and governance indicators. This year's update highlights the increasing recognition of ESG integration into mainstream finance, although progress must be made, particularly in climate-related risk management.
Research
21 August 2019

Investing with SDG outcomes: A five-part framework

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This report outlines a five-part framework for investors to align their investments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making, being active owners, promoting acceptance of the framework, and reporting on progress.
Research
10 October 2020

Corporate resilience and response to COVID-19

Harvard Business School
This paper explores COVID-19's impact on corporate resilience and the effectiveness of corporate responses. Analysis of 2,000 companies shows that firms that invested in stakeholder relations performed better. The study reveals machine learning-linked big data provides new means to measure corporate responses and crisis management.
Research
1 October 2020

Investing for the common good: A sustainable finance framework

This essay provides a new framework for sustainable finance. The author argues that sustainable finance considers financial, social, and environmental returns in combination and develops guidelines for governing sustainable finance. Major obstacles are short-termism and insufficient private efforts.
Research
11 July 2017

Financing our future: Actions to scale up and accelerate the pace of change towards a more sustainable financial system

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This report offers actionable recommendations to the world's finance sector. This report presents evidence on the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and outlines key actions for finance actors across numerous industries to advance toward a sustainable financial system.
Research
7 December 2018

Communicating the scientific consensus on climate change: Diverse audiences and effects over time

This study finds that communicating the scientific consensus on climate change increases understanding and engagement. Consensus messaging leads to updated beliefs across diverse audiences, with 40% of the original effect lasting 26 days. The treatment effect is most durable for those doubtful or dismissive of climate change.
Research
10 October 2022

Biodiversity risk: Legal implications for companies and their directors

Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative
The report analyses the legal obligations of company directors with regards to biodiversity risk. The report examines emerging disclosure standards, provides a jurisdictional spotlight, and includes case studies to illustrate the corporate interface with biodiversity.
Research
13 December 2022
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